Stout has advised Sparks Belting, an operating company of JSJ Corporation (JSJ) on its sale to Belt Power, a portfolio company of Platte River Equity. Stout served as the exclusive sell-side financial advisor to Sparks and JSJ in connection with the transaction, which closed on January 8, 2025.

Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Sparks Belting is a leading value-added distributor and fabricator of custom belting and other conveyance-related components serving diverse automation-focused end markets, including logistics and distribution, food production, consumer product manufacturing, and paper and packaging, among other industries. The company’s extensive fabrication capabilities enable it to create customized belts that meet the specific requirements of large, blue-chip customers across North America.

Founded over 100 years ago and based in Grand Haven, Michigan, JSJ Corporation is a multi-family investment firm and holding company of businesses that provide custom engineered solutions to a wide range of global markets. JSJ focuses on developing businesses through investment in growth and long-term partnership. The company’s portfolio of businesses represents manufacturing, value-added distribution, and service companies that focus on delivering unique engineered solutions through highly technical capabilities throughout the world.